iPhone Air Is More Than Just “Impossibly Thin”

Apple unveiled the iPhone Air nearly three weeks ago, calling it the “thinnest iPhone ever.” At just 5.6mm and 5.8oz, it’s certainly thin and light — but after using it for a week, I think it’s a lot more than just an engineering experiment.

Phones Were Getting Too Bulky

I’ve always loved big-screen iPhones, but the weight was a problem.

• iPhone 14 Pro Max: 8.47oz (heaviest in years, stainless steel).

• iPhone 15 Pro Max: titanium made it lighter at 7.81oz.

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: bigger at 6.9 inches, but still 7.99oz.

That’s when I gave up on the larger models.

Big Without the Heft

iPhone Air changes everything. It’s thin, but what matters most is the balance of size and weight:

• 6.5-inch display

• 5.6mm thin

• 5.8oz total weight

It makes the Pro Max and Plus models feel brick-like by comparison. Even the aluminum iPhone 16 Plus (7.03oz) can’t compete.

The Compromises

Of course, iPhone Air comes with trade-offs:

• Battery life: Not a two-day phone, but I easily get through a full day of heavy use.

• Cameras: No telephoto, no ultrawide. For me, that’s fine — I rely on my Canon R8 for serious photography.

If your iPhone is your only camera, you may miss those extra lenses.

A New iPhone Moment

For me, iPhone Air feels like another iPhone X moment. It’s not just thinner — it feels new, different, and exciting in a way iPhones haven’t for years.

Some call it a test bed for future foldables or glasses, but I believe it sets a new precedent for slim, full-featured smartphones. Over time, battery and camera tech will catch up to this form factor.

Final Thoughts

iPhone Air makes people curious in a way no recent iPhone has. Everywhere I go, people ask about it. It’s light, it’s bold, and it’s fun — and for me, that’s innovation.